Published on Friday 13 September 2024
A campaign to educate people on the dangers of knife crime and empower young people to make positive choices will continue this month with a series of awareness events.
The Knife Crime Awareness campaign across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was launched in May and follows the tragic death of Cameron Hamilton, 18, last summer.
Cameron’s grandmother Tracy Jose has been a prominent supporter of the initiative, which will step up this month with a series of activities to teach young people the dangers of knife crime and inspire them to participate in positive activities available in our community.
Organised by the Safer BCP Partnership, a special celebration day ‘Changes Are Made’ will take place on Saturday 21 September 2024 from 11am to 4pm in Bournemouth Square and Lower Gardens with activities – some led by young people - including DJ sessions, dancing, African drumming and a skate ramp.
The Safer BCP Partnership includes Dorset Police, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Probation Service, University Hospitals Dorset and many others. Bournemouth Town Centre BID have also provided financial support towards some of the activities as part of the campaign.
Tracy Jose said: “The impacts of knife crime are very real as my family has sadly experienced first-hand, it is amazing we have a second round of the Knife Crime Awareness campaign.
“Anything that gets young people engaging and talking about knife crime is so important for everyone, this is why I have started the charity ‘Changes Are Made’ in memory of Cam who was killed last year. I really hope by a family member speaking to young people directly it can make a difference in the fight against knife crime.
“As Cameron Hamilton’s grandmother, I would ask everyone to think twice before they make the decision to pick up a knife, which could have serious consequences for them, and devastate other families like ours. Please don’t carry a knife – if there had not been a knife present on the 5 August last year, Cam would still be alive and here with us today.”
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, BCP Council, said: “Dorset is the seventh safest place in England, and we know that most of our young people do not carry knives.
"But we know there is a younger demographic, age 12 and over, that we need to target as part of our preventative work. Officers will be working with the Police and partners to engage with this group to help educate and empower them to make positive choices.
“Come along to our packed schedule of events and talk to us and see all the positive things you can get involved in.”
A variety of events and activities are taking place over the next few weeks including Knife Crime Awareness stands at the Freshers Fairs of Bournemouth and Poole College, Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth and AECC University.
There will also be community engagement stands at Bournemouth Hospital, Asda West Quay Road, Poole and Tesco Castle Lane, Bournemouth.
The ‘Changes Are Made’ event on Saturday 21 September will celebrate and promote the positive activities that young people can get involved in. These activities will include information to equip parents and carers and members of the community with the tools to help address knife-related incidents.
Local Policing Commander for Bournemouth, Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey, Chair of the BCP Community Safety Partnership, said: “While Dorset remains a safe place to live with one of the lowest knife crime rates in the UK, there is still work to be done and Dorset Police supports this joint initiative whole-heartedly.
“It is a proactive way to educate young people about knife carrying and to encourage them to feel confident to make informed choices. We will continue working together with our partners to protect our communities and ensure people feel safe.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “This campaign is a positive symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration, but it is vital the work doesn’t stop here. Tackling knife crime is a priority in Dorset, and I remain absolutely committed to creating a safer environment for all Dorset’s residents and visitors.”
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer at Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “Safety and security are the number one priority for our businesses so supporting this awareness campaign, as part of a collaborative approach, is one of the ways we can help make a difference.”
To learn more about the Knife Crime Awareness Campaign, and to access the full list of events and activities taking place throughout, click here.
Support for parents and carers including A Guide to Knife/Weapon Harm for Parents and Carers, click here.
Find out more about the Safer BCP Partnership here.